United States ☂️ WV192 ☔ Father John Misty - Screamland

[RainyWoods]

​

 

[RainyWoods]

I can't believe you ACTUALLY did it

Well Calvin, I just feel the need to remind people from time to time that I'm actually a 57 year old mother of three called Pam who cruelly happens to be stuck in the body of a still relatively young gay man. Pam likes candles, QVC (especially for their selection of candles) and going out although usually staying in with the girls to watch tearjerker movies, enjoyed with a big box of chocolates, softly illuminated by the candles.

 

[RainyWoods]

1st in Semi 1 with 110 Points / 17th in REJU with 18 Points
6th in the Grand Final with 135 Points​

You gave this legend of stage and screen such a fabulous result, and I'm very grateful. I think the most rewarding part of sending Bette and this song was that much to my surprise this was actually an introduction to Wind Beneath My Wings for some of you. I suppose as it was such a big part of my childhood I assumed others would know it too, and I tend to avoid such entries as much as I can, but sometimes you've just got to give in to a classic that's beloved to you. Thanks for all the support







Istanbul






There's two things I'm leaning towards for next edition. I've actually sort of put together two NFs, one that's a multi artist alternative hip hop NF and the other being songs from just my favourite rapper (who you might be able to guess). The latter is SUPER hot, the former I feel needs more work. Unsure if I want to push through with one of them though right now. The other option would be some Americana rock from an artist I've been itching to send for some time but I was waiting on his new album. Now I have his record and it's impossible for me to pick between two songs. He's kind of stupidly me though and thus would make for one of those entries where you can guess the juror of the song with your eyes closed.... or open them and scream my name again as you see some long haired man with a big beard and guitar

 

[RainyWoods]

 

[Ana Raquel]

 

[RainyWoods]

The experimental songstress is back for round 2 at WorldVision. After her 2020 release Phoenix: Flames Are Dew Upon My Skin, a record which saw Eartheater (real name Alexandra Drewchin) go down a menacing yet lushly orchestrated path, she seems to once again be shifting shape. This latest single goes hard on the electronics as Eartheater's ethereal yet strong voice soars above the clouds. The moment I heard the song I was like "yup.. this is being shared". Hope you enjoy it as much as I do

How did you find me?
Yes, I've been hiding
Pining for no one that's right there
The more they write, the more I turn to my

Scripture
I'm painting my own picture
And this feels like I'm in love
I'm painting my own picture
Scripture
It feels like you were written
I get this breezy feeling
Invisible, yeah
Bleeding on my heart
Scripture
I'm painting my own picture
And this feels like I'm in love
I'm painting my own picture

Even though they think they know me on the screen
No one knows where I have been
Hiding on a mountain peak weaving my drеams
Only the stars can see

Far away from everything
Only thе stars know where I've been
It's written in the stars that we're meeting
It's written in the stars
You and I
It's written in the stars
You and I

 

[Gera11]

So happy Eartheater gets another chance in WV, maybe this one will be more accessible to the general public. Best of luck!

 

[RainyWoods]

12th in Semi 1 with 58 Points / 9th in REJU with 22 Points
23rd in the Grand Final with 75 Points

​

I'm really happy we got Eartheater into the final. That was the victory in itself here as I know she's one of my more challenging artists. I'm glad though she saw some appreciation. She's been my discovery of 2021 and after that near miss for Faith Consuming Hope at the start of the year, I was quite hungry to try again with a different Eartheater song, and some justice on that first try (I think Gera's good luck message worked) Thanks again!










NorthWest Italy



No concrete plans for next edition yet in China. We'll see how we feel. Entry 96 is coming. Soon at 100

 

[RainyWoods]

​

WOO-AH! German born, LA based pop sensation Kim Petras finally returns to WorldVision with her latest treat. Kim and co face the apocalypse in electro pop stomper Future Starts Now. That won't stop them though from partying the night away beneath the Eiffel Tower as it crumbles into the sea. Chic, c'est la vie.

I've gone with the music video version of the song here cause with imagery like it gives us.. well, you just have to. If you enjoy the song though, do take a listen to the full edit I've also linked below as it's even better with a longer intro and deliciously synthy outro. Hmmm très délicieux

I have to give a little thanks here as this is the first entry I've sent that I didn't source entirely myself. I mean I would have found it eventually cause I'm a fan of this lady but @Genesis a couple of weeks ago asked me "have you heard the new Kim Petras song?" and I was like ".......no ", so thank you keng

Le futur c'est maintenant

Ain't nobody gonna stop me
Don't you let the music stop now
You're more than just anybody
Don't give up, the future starts now
Worry about it in the morning
Take it to another level
You're more than just anybody
Don't give up, the future starts now

One day, everyone will notice
The world is yours and you should know it
So don't let love get out of focus
(Don't give up, the future starts now)

I know you can take the pressure
Turn it into something better
So take the pain and make it pleasure
Don't give up, the future starts now

Le futur c'est maintenant
Un, deux, trois, quatre

Ain't nobody gonna stop me
Don't you let the music stop now
You're more than just anybody
Don't give up, the future starts now

Worry about it in the morning
Take it to another level
You're more than just anybody
Don't give up, the future starts now

Lose control, take control
Anything you want tonight
On a roll, good to go
Let the moment blow your mind
Take your time, take your time
Baby, it don't matter
Let it ride, let it ride
Take it to the afters

Let your heart decide
Let it change your life tonight
Yeah, you're almost there
You can almost touch the light
If you're lost and you find that you need somebody
In the dark, baby don't you know the future starts now

Le futur c'est maintenant
Un, deux, trois, quatre

Ain't nobody gonna stop me
Don't you let the music stop now
You're more than just anybody
Don't give up, the future starts now

Worry about it in the morning
Take it to another level
You're more than just anybody
Don't give up, the future starts now

Le futur c'est maintenant, quatre

Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh

Woo-ah!

​

 

[RainyWoods]

4th in Semi 2 with 81 Points / 3rd in REJU with 53 Points
9th in the Grand Final with 118 Points​

WOO-AH! Thank you for the amazing result you gave Kim! Basically half of you voted for her which is crazy and feels great as it means the song was very obviously appreciated. It felt good to get her into the final after Icy missed a couple of years ago when I sent it as my very last Pacific States entry. Another successful justice mission Who's next? *looks at Jan Terri*














I don't know what we'll be doing next edition, but considering we're going to Poland, I feel like I might need to pick out something a little bit special if I can for Mario's first time hosting. Three of my last five entries have been sexy pops so some here will be secretly delighted to know this old pot E codger probably won't be helping to dilute the pool of precious bop points for a fourth time... probably not. I might go back to my lane now for a while. This will be entry 97!

 

[RainyWoods]

​

Now for something soft and touching especially for this edition of WorldVision being held in Poland. Let me introduce you to Morly, a Minneapolis-born artist who recently put out her gorgeously smooth debut, 'Til I Start Speaking. The track I'm sharing with you is my favourite from the record and it's called Twain Harte. It's a shy, romantic little number that tugs at the heartstrings. The lyrics of the song tell the story of the biggest sacrifice one could make for love, moving across the sea so as to be with your soulmate. And it's a true story being told here as Morly recently moved to London to live with her partner.

I've gone with this could hear a pin drop intimate performance from the Mahogany Youtube channel as I just find it so haunting, but take a listen also to the Studio version which I'll link below as it certainly goes bigger with those added strings and little bit of organ. I hope you enjoy the song

I lost my words
And nodded silently
I’m just saying that
I’m so in love with you
They must have followed you
Across the sea
Pulled down the line
Because
I’m so in love with you

So when you call me
From tomorrow
Asking how I feel today
And I talk of illustrating
A new painting
For your room
I’m just saying that
I’m so in love with
You got my word
All I'm saying is
I’m so in love with you

I lost my words
And nodded silently
I want to tell you that
I’m so in love with you
And I’ll follow you
Across the sea
Pulled by the lines
That mean
I’m so in love with you

So when you call me
From tomorrow
Asking how I feel today
And I talk about the town
In mountains down
Where we could move
I’m just saying that
I’m so in love with
You got my word
All I’m saying is
I’m so in love with
You got my word
All I’m saying is
I’m so in love with you

​

 

[RainyWoods]

2nd in Semi 2 with 99 Points / 14th in REJU with 23 Points
8th in the Grand Final with 116 Points​

Thank you to the twenty two of you that had something for Morly! 8th is a great result and wowza at Twain Harte coming 2nd in its semi Ole's 12 knocked me out! I wasn't expecting that.














I'm sad we're leaving Poland as we've had such a fabulous time, but straight onto Kanto we go with much excitement, and the artist I was already leaning towards before knowing our destination seems pretty apt for Gaëlle's first edition. It's something that's going to polarise hard.

And finally in just a little over a month you can expect my 100th entry NF featuring only my most beloved artists. I'm limiting myself to eight (my lucky number) songs. Which of my personal icons will receive a lucky ticket? Place your bets now (this actually is going to be really tricky *cries*)

 

[RainyWoods]

​

This edition we're sharing the awesome Code Orange. They're a band that formed in Pennsylvania and have been going since 2008. When it comes to genres they're shapeshifters but they usually play very heavy and hard rock, dabbling with elements from industrial, punk and even some grunge. Their songs are intense and wonderfully dynamic. I've chosen to share with you the title track from their 2020 release, Underneath. Reba Meyers ferociously leads the track, accompanied by Jami Morgan's blood curdling growls. I hope some of you enjoy it.

Under the black and inside the blue
A bone thick spell has washed away
It took some time but I realized
The obstacle is the only way
Under the black and inside the blue
A bone thick spell has washed away
It took some time but I realized
The obstacle is the only way

An experiment to be improved on
(A story for them all to tell)
A history of forced intrusion

They pricked me but I didn't bleed
They singed me just to test the smell
They cut me but I didn't feel
I was just too deep in to fail

You think you know what you want
Until you're inside the nest
You got it all figured out
Until you're drowning in it
You think you know who you are
Until you're under duress
You got it all figured out
Until you're under the skin

But now I'm in the lion's den
(A story for them all to tell)
Now I am at the precipice

I'm the one who has to end this
I'm the one that has to win
Bred to self-induced entrapment
I'm the one who lacked the discipline

You think you know what you want
Until you're inside the nest
You got it all figured out
Until you're drowning in it
You think you know who you are
Until you're under duress
You got it all figured out
Until you're under the skin

You think you know what you want
Until you're inside the nest
You got it all figured out
Until you're drowning in it
You think you know who you are
Until you're under duress
You got it all figured out
Until you're under the skin

Underneath retread aesthetic
Underneath your fake respect
Underneath the sales and figures
Will you quit when they don't react?
Underneath the costume changes
Underneath the acceptance
Underneath the online presence
Underneath the influence

You think you know what you want
Until you're inside the nest
You got it all figured out
Until you're drowning in it
You think you know who you are
Until you're under duress
You got it all figured out
Until you're under the skin

You think you know what you want (underneath retread aesthetic)
Until you're inside the nest (underneath your fake respect)
You got it all figured out (underneath the sales and figures)
Until you're drowning in it (will you quit when they don't react)
You think you know who you are (underneath the virtue signal)
Until you're under duress (underneath the thinnest skin)
You got it all figured out (underneath collective conscience)
Until you're under the skin (underneath the consequence)

 

[WolvXCII]

​

This edition we're sharing the awesome Code Orange. They're a band that formed in Pennsylvania and have been going since 2008. When it comes to genres they're shapeshifters but they usually play very heavy and hard rock, dabbling with elements from industrial, punk and even some grunge. Their songs are intense and wonderfully dynamic. I've chosen to share with you the title track from their 2020 release, Underneath. Reba Meyers ferociously leads the track, accompanied by Jami Morgan's blood curdling growls. I hope some of you enjoy it.

Under the black and inside the blue
A bone thick spell has washed away
It took some time but I realized
The obstacle is the only way
Under the black and inside the blue
A bone thick spell has washed away
It took some time but I realized
The obstacle is the only way

An experiment to be improved on
(A story for them all to tell)
A history of forced intrusion

They pricked me but I didn't bleed
They singed me just to test the smell
They cut me but I didn't feel
I was just too deep in to fail

You think you know what you want
Until you're inside the nest
You got it all figured out
Until you're drowning in it
You think you know who you are
Until you're under duress
You got it all figured out
Until you're under the skin

But now I'm in the lion's den
(A story for them all to tell)
Now I am at the precipice

I'm the one who has to end this
I'm the one that has to win
Bred to self-induced entrapment
I'm the one who lacked the discipline

You think you know what you want
Until you're inside the nest
You got it all figured out
Until you're drowning in it
You think you know who you are
Until you're under duress
You got it all figured out
Until you're under the skin

You think you know what you want
Until you're inside the nest
You got it all figured out
Until you're drowning in it
You think you know who you are
Until you're under duress
You got it all figured out
Until you're under the skin

Underneath retread aesthetic
Underneath your fake respect
Underneath the sales and figures
Will you quit when they don't react?
Underneath the costume changes
Underneath the acceptance
Underneath the online presence
Underneath the influence

You think you know what you want
Until you're inside the nest
You got it all figured out
Until you're drowning in it
You think you know who you are
Until you're under duress
You got it all figured out
Until you're under the skin

You think you know what you want (underneath retread aesthetic)
Until you're inside the nest (underneath your fake respect)
You got it all figured out (underneath the sales and figures)
Until you're drowning in it (will you quit when they don't react)
You think you know who you are (underneath the virtue signal)
Until you're under duress (underneath the thinnest skin)
You got it all figured out (underneath collective conscience)
Until you're under the skin (underneath the consequence)

Why'd you have to make me gag this way huh! WHY?!? Definitely tickles parts that I do fancy hahaha

 

[RainyWoods]

We need to relive the moment where tea with milk proved once again why it's the most powerful way to consume your brew

I sent this Code Orange song expecting to miss but then I saw the draw and was like... ok, this couldn't have really gone much better. There was a fighting chance! I'm really happy and feel lucky to be through. Thank you!



Now the year is coming to a close, I've put together a little look back video with all my 2021 entries for United States

​

I set myself a task to send a different genre to each edition this year. I think for the most part I've accomplished what I set out to achieve here although Morly's Twain Harte was perhaps one piano ballad too many right at the end. I might have kept the music varied this year but one thing I did flop with was artist introductions as no less than eight of the entries I sent to the contest in 2021 were by returnees. I think I managed to get away with it though as for six of these artists it was only their second time competing (Sir Sly, Kali Uchis, Amigo The Devil, Judee Sill, Kim Petras, Eartheater), with some having last taken part years ago. For the other two returnees (Andrew W.K. and Father John Misty) it was round 3.

Hard to pick my favourite as I love them all but if you held a gun to my forehead, Lady-O by Judee Sill is very dear to my heart, both the song and the artist. Eartheater I got obsessed with this year. Scripture for sure is my favourite 2021 released entry. I didn't get to send everything I had planned to the contest. Poor Strand of Oaks had my backup entry for over half the year. We'll see what 2022 brings for him and others.



Finally, I hope you have a nice holiday season and I wish you all a wonderful, healthy 2022 Let's make it a good one.

 

[ShoeFlo]

Another great years and beautiful compilation you've created. The head-banging cat in the Kim Petras video is iconic

My ranking might look like this:

Lingua Ignota - Pennsylvania Furnace - masterpiece and one of the best songs you've ever sent
Judee Sill - Lady-O - not the same level as The Kiss but it plays in the same league
Them Are Us Too - Floor - the term "Wall of Sound" was invented for songs like this. Very lush and energetic.
4. Morly - Twain Harte
5. Andrew W.K. - Babylon - can't help it, but the combination red and blue lights and the retro sounding synth-rock melange reminds me a bit of the early movies of Italian director Dario Argento in terms of visual aesthetics and his soundtrack band Goblin who also mixed rock and synth elements. It just lacks the gore murders and the female victims. Maybe you've no idea what I am talking about but those are great movies
6. Eartheater - Faith Consuming Hope
7. Father John Misty - Born in the USA
8. Sir Sly - Little Deaths
9. Bette Midler - Wind Beneath My Wings
10. Carpenter Brut - Fab Tool
11. Eartheater - Scripture
12. Charley Crockett - Run Horse Run
13. Amigo The Devil - Another Mans Grave
14. Code Orange - Underneath

I don't rank Kim Petras - Future Starts now, Amber Mark - Worth It and Kali Uchis - Solita because I sadly don't like them. I included Code Orange because it is alright for me except for the growling parts.

Merry Christmas!

 

[Ana Raquel]

Your hardcore and metal hits were

also kim's revenge from that horrendous icy flop

 

[RainyWoods]

12th in Semi 1 with 69 Points / 15th in REJU with 20 Points
16th in the Grand Final with 103 Points​

Phew, really did get lucky with that draw there. Felt good to have such a bold song as this make the final and its points were about at the higher end of what I thought were possible, although were reached in not exactly the way I would have guessed, which actually is quite cool. Thank you all!














Need to start seriously preparing my 100th edition NF as I'll be holding it in only a couple of weeks from now. I have a couple of artists and songs locked in but this is tricky.

 

[RainyWoods]

​

For our 99th contribution to the beloved WorldVision song contest, we're introducing you to a fantabulous song and vocalist. If you're a gamer then there's no doubt you know of the Metal Gear Solid series. Hideo Kojima's baby has been thrilling audiences with its nail-biting stealth gameplay since 1987 on the MSX home computers. It wasn't until the series hit Sony's Playstation though in 1998 that things would explode, as Solid Snake took on his mission for the first time in 3D on an adventure set across four discs. Metal Gear Solid for the PS1 is regarded as one of the most important video games of all time.

Snake and (controversially) friends *cough* Raiden would continue their adventures on the Playstation 2 and later Xbox, with the sequels Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (my personal favourite in the series) and the epic Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, released in 2004. It's this third game where we take our song for this edition of WorldVision.

Snake Eater was composed for the game by series veteran, Norihiko Hibino. The powerful vocals belong to an American woman from Chicago called Cynthia Harrell, and there's a sweet touching story attached to this lady. With such a humongous voice, you'd think there'd be a big catalogue of Cynthia Harrell songs to dive through, but she simply has just a couple available on the net to her name, one being from Konami's Castlevania series.

For years fans ached to find out more about her but no info was available anywhere they'd look. About a year ago a fan managed to track Cynthia down and got an interview you can read HERE if you're interested. Throughout her life she'd worked as a backing singer and had done jingles for commercials. Thanks to her friendship with Konami's music producer, Rika Muranaka, Cynthia ended up singing the vocals on what would become one of the most iconic and beloved video game soundtrack pieces of all time. It takes a special kind of vocalist with incredible gravitas to take such a camp, OTT piece such as Snake Eater and nail it down so rock solid hard. I salute you, Cynthia Harrell.




The Metal Gear Solid series has always been one of my favourites since I was a child, and I think the music and sound of these games plays a weighty role in what makes them so special, from the humongous vocal performances of Cynthia Harrell and Donna Burke, to the bleeps of Snake's codex. I hope you enjoy this blast from gaming's past.

What a thrill
With darkness and silence through the night
What a thrill
I'm searching and I'll melt into you
What a fear in my heart
But you're so supreme!

I give my life
Not for honor, but for you
Snake eater
In my time there'll be no one else
Crime, it's the way I fly to you
Snake eater
I'm still in a dream, snake eater!

Someday you go through the rain
Someday you feed on a tree frog
This ordeal, the trial to survive
For the day we see new life! I give my life
Not for honor, but for you
Snake eater
In my time there'll be no one else
Crime, it's the way I fly to you
Snake eater
I'm still in a dream, snake eater!

BONUS LIL EMOTIONAL PIANO VERSION

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[RainyWoods]

We're busy preparing for our 100th edition NF here at the United States, and we're trying to make it extra special. Only those artists closest to my heart will be allowed entry. The national final should be up within the next couple of days (I'm totally not still having difficulty trying to finalise the lineup or anything..) but until then, we've got our first confirmed names to share with you all!

​

After many years away, my favourite band The War On Drugs will return to take part in the extravaganza. They've already got a bronze and silver to their name. A song from their latest release I Don't Live Here Anymore is rumoured to be on the cards. Amerie may be my favourite R&B singer but I've yet to send her directly to WorldVision (although she did take part in an NF once before). She'll be singing something super punchy and sassy. Lastly it's my favourite (I feel I've used that word a lot) artist OF ALL TIME, Sadistik. The dark hip hop rapper was last seen at WorldVision in 2019 when I gave my PQ to his gorgeous Saints. What he'll return with this time... is actually undecided but rest assured he'll be there. More names to come later. Stay tuned!

 

[RainyWoods]

​

The late great Skeeter Davis is a newcomer for WorldVision. The legendary yet under appreciated country artist with the sweetest voice is best known for one song in particular. Will it be in the NF? Everyone's favourite party king Andrew W.K. returns. Was there ever any doubt? Despite being one of my most well received artists at the contest, like The War On Drugs, Andrew has only made it to the main game when internally chosen. A polarising figure who'll be looking to win some new hearts this time. Last but not least for this batch, we're welcoming back Shannon Shaw, but she's coming along this time with The Clams. If there's anyone that's earned a place in this NF it's the band that's responsible for getting me into garage rock.

So that's six names now. There's more to come. Will I stick to the eight originally planned? Will a couple more extra slide in? Will I inspired by Romania at Eurovision this year treat/torture you all to a lovely forty six song national final? Find out all that and more soon.